Classic W10 Stainless Steel 1950's Pattern 100m Water Resistant Automa

LOCATION

2 Watches in the UK and 2 Watches in the EU

Please note that this watch is one of two ex-display watches from the IWA Show in Germany which are at our UK and EU shipping locations and are reduced by 50% off of the normal price.

KU Code: MIL/W10/DW

This Classic W10 Automatic is a faithful recreation of the classic 1950s NATO-specification watches originally produced under the UK Ministry of Defence reference 6B/346 Mk XI. While it retains the vintage character of those historic timepieces, this model benefits from significant modern upgrades — most notably a 24-jewel automatic movement with hacking function and a 41-hour power reserve for superb precision and reliability.

In today’s world of budget constraints, no modern armed force could realistically issue watches of this quality when inexpensive quartz models can do the job. Back in the 1950s and 60s, however, the world’s military forces routinely purchased pieces from Rolex, IWC, Omega, and Longines. Those days are long gone — but the appeal of that classic military style remains.

For enthusiasts who want a watch that looks authentically military yet offers modern-day performance, the MKIII Automatic delivers in every way. From its high-performance movement and brushed stainless steel case to the scratch- and shatter-resistant sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating, no expense has been spared in creating a timepiece of exceptional quality and durability.

Built for real-world use, the watch features a screw-down caseback and crown, is water-resistant to 100 m (330 ft), and designed to withstand the rigours of active service or outdoor life.

Specifications

• Diameter: 38 mm (excluding crown) / 40 mm (including crown)
• Thickness: 12.5 mm
• Water Resistance: 100 m / 330 ft
• Movement: 24-Jewel NH35 Automatic with 41-Hour Power Reserve
• Crown: Screw-Down
• Caseback: Screw-Down
• Crystal: Sapphire — Scratch and Shatter Resistant, Anti-Reflective
• Lume: Super-Luminova
• Strap: 18 mm Nylon Webbing

Why Sapphire Crystal?

Many customers ask what makes sapphire crystal superior to standard mineral glass. The answer is simple — strength and resilience. Synthetic sapphire is exceptionally hard, making it far more resistant to scratches and impacts than mineral glass. It’s the material of choice for professionals — military personnel, police officers, and outdoor adventurers — who need a crystal that can take punishment without compromise.

In fact, when we see cracked crystals, over 90% of them are mineral glass, even when hardened. Sapphire’s durability comes from its manufacturing process: it’s heat-treated to remove internal stresses and then coated with two layers of anti-reflective film for clarity under all lighting conditions. It’s no coincidence that sapphire glass is also used in the latest iPhones — it’s simply the best material available for protecting what matters.